 DeGale is fighting alongside Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin |
James DeGale has been tipped to become the first British Olympic champion to win a world title after joining forces with trainer Jim McDonnell. DeGale, 22, makes his professional debut in Birmingham on 28 February with a four-round bout against an as yet unannounced opponent. "James has a want and a will that you won't see in many individuals. He is so, so determined," said McDonnell. "I believe he will be the first gold medallist to become a world champion." McDonnell, who guided his former charge Danny Williams to a shot at the world heavyweight title in 2004, added: "It will take time. It might not be a smooth ride. "There will be hurdles along the way but this kid is something very special." DeGale, a two-time ABA champion and 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, signed for Frank Warren' stable after winning gold in Beijing. "I see British boxers win world titles and I think 'that is me all over' - the big stadiums, the crowd, the lights," said DeGale.  | This is a really exciting time for British boxing - I can't remember three guys turning pro at the same time that has created such a stir in the boxing world Frank Warren on DeGale, Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin |
"My first aim was to become an Olympian and the second aim is to become a professional world champion. I've achieved the first half of that so what is there for me to do now in the amateurs? "Professional boxing will suit me." McDonnell trained Williams for his victory over Mike Tyson in 2004 and his heavyweight world title bout against Vitali Klitschko the same year, which he lost. DeGale also met with trainer Jimmy Tibbs but chose McDonnell having briefly worked with him before. "I knew Jim from 2006 when I boxed England v America and I had a couple of sessions with him. He was always in my mind," said DeGale, who had been keen to remain in London. "I spoke to both of them but I like the vibe and the way (McDonnell) trained." DeGale is fighting alongside fellow Warren recruits Billy Joe Saunders and 2007 world amateur champion Frankie Gavin at the National Indoor Arena on the undercard of Matt Skelton's Commonwealth heavyweight title showdown with Belfast's Martin Rogan. Gavin has teamed up with young trainer Anthony Farnell while Saunders is being trained by Danny Hoy. | BEN DIRS BLOG |
Warren plans for the trio to fight between six and eight times a year as they make their way into the professional world. Warren said: "I believe they have the ability to go all the way. For me it is another lease in my boxing life and I am delighted to be involved with them. "It is a challenge for me to ensure they get the best possible guidance moving forward to ultimately become not only world champions but multi-world champions. "We want to see them unifying titles in years to come but it is a long road. It starts in Birmingham as four-rounders on an undercard. "This is a really exciting time for British boxing. I can't remember three guys turning pro at the same time that has created such a stir in the boxing world. "Maybe it goes back to the days when I signed Keith Wallace, Jimmy Duncan and Stevie Johnson many years ago, before these guys were even born."
| 
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?